Additionally, ARINC MultiLink has been developed with the ability to incorporate future third-party data sources that may include position data.

Rockwell Collins uses a proprietary algorithm to merge the data sources to provide more accurate and higher fidelity position reporting. In addition, the use of multiple sources means an aircraft’s position can be reported more frequently. The service can also notify airlines when an aircraft unexpectedly has stopped reporting positional data or when the aircraft has deviated from its expected path.

“In today’s global aviation environment, no single source of data is sufficient to track aircraft globally,” said Jeff Standerski, senior vice president, Information Management Services for Rockwell Collins. “By merging multiple data sources, many of which airlines already receive, we can automatically select the right combination of data feeds to allow airlines to pinpoint an aircraft’s location anywhere in the world, in the most economical way.”

A key and differentiating element of ARINC MultiLink is its ability to incorporate HFDL network performance data, made possible by Rockwell Collins’ industry standard global air/ground data link network. Aircraft equipped with HFDL automatically deliver network performance data directly to Rockwell Collins. This data can be used in conjunction with other data sources to provide highly accurate and cost-effective aircraft tracking everywhere around the globe.

ARINC MultiLink can be customized to meet an airline’s unique needs while still aligning with industry recommendations. Rockwell Collins will work with carriers to help selectively augment the fidelity and reliability of their standard data feed as needed to generate additional data for a selected aircraft or geographic region.

ARINC MultiLink flight tracking solution will be available this spring.